Pop Your Bubble

A few weeks ago I went on a date. 

Nothing serious. Just a casual drink and some fun moments. I didn't know him very well, so we started talking about the basics: my goals, his goals, and what I wanted to do in life. Since he is older and has a more established life, I mentioned that my future was a bit of a question mark for me. But that I was 100% sure of two things: that I wanted to help people and that I was not driven by money to become a successful woman. 

His response was eye-opening.

It made us have a fascinating conversation about what money is and what it represents in people's lives today. We agreed that some people suffer over money, others are born with incredible opportunities because of it, and some even build extraordinary lives and legacies despite it. During our conversation, he said something to me that has been circling in my mind ever since: "Money doesn't drive you because you will never have to suffer for it; you will always have food on the table and a roof over your head." He wasn't rude; his tone was pure bluntness as if stating a fact. 

After some arguments, it was difficult for me to get my point across because I realized that he was right; and I just had to accept it. I was stunned because I realized, again, how lucky I am. At that moment, it was a friendly conversation, and this guy started talking about how both of us grew up in a bubble, "There's nothing wrong with it," he said with a cute smile, "Just accept it, don’t fool yourself." We changed topics, and it was a lovely evening. 

However, the "living in a bubble" phrase kept bugging me for a few days. This is why I started writing about it. So here are my thoughts about my bubble. 

I consider myself a lucky woman. I have led an incredible life full of opportunities, most of them provided by my wonderful parents' unconditional love and support. I certainly would not be able to be writing this while admiring the breathtaking views Paris offers without their full support. I appreciate my luck every day of my life.  

However, I've always thought some of the rough situations I've experienced made me more aware of life and less of the "in the bubble" kind of woman. By this, I do not mean that being unaware or in a "bubble" is a bad thing. But I guess I was unconscious of many situations before I had that conversation with that guy. 

I usually do not like the topic of money, mainly when it controls people, gets them obsessed, focused on it, and money-hungry. I've experienced first-hand what that fixation can do to people, and it’s incredibly sad. And I know my writing this is paradoxical; because without access to money, I wouldn't have many of the opportunities, education, and many other experiences that I enjoy today. And I was shamelessly unaware of this, so that "bubble" I was living in popped, and it's been popping ever since. 

That night, at that bar, while discussing this topic, this man made me realize how far off I was from reality. Because the truth is that if I was to pay for the life I have today, I wouldn't even be able to know where to start. However, I am sure I could adapt because I was blessed by parents who taught me how to be a kind, hardworking woman and help people at the same time. This is why I think that part of what I'm meant to do in life is help and inspire, in any way that I can. And I'm not driven by money to do this. 

Don't get me wrong, it doesn't mean I don't appreciate the way money has facilitated specific opportunities for me. But if I could put in a balance a luxurious, money-driven life and the chance of helping someone in need through my experiences, I wouldn't think twice about picking the second. Knowing that I can contribute to someone's health, happiness, and self-love is essential. But I know this can also be part of that fantasy "bubble."

This is why I'm sharing this today.

Popping that bubble has been challenging because it has meant defying comfort, beliefs, and what I want to do with my life. Because yes, even though I sometimes write about honest and raw topics, and I can seem very down to earth, I am living in a bubble that I am trying to pop more holes in. A bubble that I would love for you to become aware of. 

We all have different bubbles; mine can be very different from yours. But, I know that they are very comfortable to be in because it is so easy and cozy to be inside them: unbothered, unengaged and just flow. To ignore the outside world and pretend that life is fantastic and that money, comfort, love, partying, or not being socially committed are perfect ways of living. 

But in the day and age we live in, how can it be sustainable to live in a bubble? So I invite you to start engaging, seeing the world, helping, reading, getting informed, being uncomfortable, challenging your beliefs, your education, your routine. 

We can no longer pretend that the "bubble" we live in is OK. 

Today, I invite you to pop your bubble and start defying yourself. In whatever way that may be for you.

With all my love from my newly popped bubble,

L